SANTA CLARA – Nick Bosa giving pass rush tricks to a brand new colleague has develop into an annual ritual. This week it was Leonard Floyd who had an entertaining conversation with the 49ers' star defender in regards to the technique.
Or is that this nickname more worthy of linebacker Fred Warner? If not them, then who?
The 49ers defense is currently undergoing an entire revamp, complete with recent defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and recent assistant head coach Brandon Staley.
Contact drills aren't for one more two months, but the beginning of organized team activities this week offers a glimpse into the 49ers' defense by position:
DEFENSIVE END
Bosa agreed to Kyle Shanahan's suggestion and apparently participated in OTAs for the primary time in five years. Bosa appeared in his usual motion figure body, but there may be also a mature leader contained in the No. 97 jersey.
Opposite him is Floyd, a ninth-year veteran who looks slim but agile and effective, within the pass-rushing role. The burly Yetur Gross-Matos looks like he might be a steal after slacking in Carolina's dungeon.
“Drake is not healthy, so he can't go,” Shanahan said of Drake Jackson, who’s rehabbing after undergoing knee surgery late last season.
Robert Beal Jr. looks to be making the jump from Year 1 to Year 2, which has definitely worked out well for one more fifth-round pick in 49ers history (see: Kittle, George). Not drafting a defensive end this yr could prove detrimental if depth quickly diminishes.
Defensive tackling
Projected starter Maliek Collins is predicted to affix OTAs next week, so Javon Hargrave was lined up Tuesday alongside one other rookie, Jordan Elliott, whose 6-foot-4 and 290-pound frame looks promising. Kalia Davis's grit is a positive sign after his NFL debut was delayed on account of injury.
Kevin Givens and TY McGill face tougher competition for spots on the roster this yr. Shakel Brown doesn't stand out as much next to established pros as he did during his rookie tryout at minicamp.
LINEBACKER
Fred Warner didn't play Tuesday and was still the defense's hype man, playfully taunting Purdy early in 11-on-11 motion. With Dre Greenlaw playing three months after recovering from his Super Bowl trauma, De'Vondre Campbell might be used on the weak-side position. Campbell didn't play particularly well at the top of his tenure with the Packers, so it should be interesting to see how much the 49ers use him if a young guy shines over the following three months.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles filled in for Warner at practice and looked as confident as a fifth-year veteran should. He and Curtis Robinson (strong side in Tuesday's first session) might be joined by a gaggle of younger, hard-working linebackers: Dee Winters, Jalen Graham and rookie Tatum Bethune.
Corner defender
Deommodore Lenoir moved from the best cornerback position to the inside nickelback position on Tuesday. That could actually work for one more season, especially if Isaac Yiadom secures the third (or second) spot at right cornerback. Second-round pick Renardo Green was the second-team nickelback, and his aggressive, feisty nature was immediately apparent.
With Charvarius Ward recovering from core surgery in February, Ambry Thomas was capable of play left cornerback on the primary unit, but that didn't help him. The 49ers needs to be excited to see what they’ll get out of Rock Ya-Sin, Chase Lucas, Sam Womack and Darrell Luter Jr. within the battle for depth (and special teams play).
SECURITY
Talanoa Hufanga looks as determined as ever as he rehabs alongside him five months after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. George Odum was in his place on the team unit next to Ji'Ayir Brown, with Erik Harris and Tayler Hawkins in the following row. Rookie Malik Mustapha is predicted to pack a punch together with his 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame, but he won't be allowed to take such heavy hits until preseason games in August (August 10 vs. Tennessee Titans, August 18 vs. New Orleans Saints, August 23 vs. Las Vegas Raiders).
SPECIALISTS
Kicker Nick Moody made a 50-yard field goal on Tuesday, if that helps anyone recover from his late-season slump when he missed one kick in each of his final 4 games. Punt returners Ronnie Bell, Ricky Pearsall, Danny Gray, Trent Taylor and Terique Owens all began; rookie Jacob Cowing was absent on Tuesday for undisclosed reasons. The NFL's recent kick return rules can have all teams experimenting in the approaching months, so stay tuned to see who the 49ers use.
image credit : www.mercurynews.com